Nonprofit Homeless Response Staff Struggle to Afford Housing. Will Funders Respond?

Nonprofit Homeless Response Staff Struggle to Afford Housing. Will Funders Respond?

In L.A. and elsewhere, the homeless service sector’s workers are often critically underpaid, and some are at risk of becoming homeless themselves. Part of the problem is funders’ focus on numbers over actual wellbeing.

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Seven Problems That Have Defied Philanthropy

Seven Problems That Have Defied Philanthropy

There are certain issues where philanthropy has tried to make a dent and failed. Others are seemingly so intractable that funders have mostly shied away. Here are some key areas where the sector has struggled to move the needle.

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Amid a Surging Housing Crisis, Should More Funders Be Paying Attention to YIMBYism?

Amid a Surging Housing Crisis, Should More Funders Be Paying Attention to YIMBYism?

As the U.S. housing crisis escalates, a growing movement of advocates are saying yes to more housing in their backyards. While it has its controversies, YIMBYism may be an under-explored opportunity for impact.

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This Major Funder Hopes to Break the Link Between Homelessness and Incarceration

This Major Funder Hopes to Break the Link Between Homelessness and Incarceration

A new partnership run by the MacArthur Foundation and the Urban Institute aims to disrupt the connection between housing instability and time in jail — starting in four communities across the country.

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California's Homelessness Problem Has Long Defied Solutions. Here’s What Five Funders Are Doing

California's Homelessness Problem Has Long Defied Solutions. Here’s What Five Funders Are Doing

Even before the pandemic, California had around 28% of the nation’s homeless population. Here’s how five Golden State funders are approaching a problem that continues to stymie philanthropy.

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IP Briefing: What's Going on With Philanthropy for Housing and Homelessness?

IP Briefing: What's Going on With Philanthropy for Housing and Homelessness?

In IP's weekly briefings, we provide an overview of what's happening in a particular area of philanthropy. This week, we take a look at who is funding work on housing and homelessness. Here’s what you need to know.

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Grassroots Initiatives Need More Than Seed Money to Thrive

Grassroots Initiatives Need More Than Seed Money to Thrive

People are driven to solve problems in their communities. According to the head of nonprofit LavaMaeX, grassroots efforts can make a huge impact when seed funding is paired with the right training and resources.

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How a Public-Private Collaboration Is Providing Shelter for Homeless Students in California

How a Public-Private Collaboration Is Providing Shelter for Homeless Students in California

Blue Shield of California is supporting California’s ambitious Homekey program to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness in the Golden State. For some students, it’s been transformative.

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A Detroit Charity Fighting Homelessness Gets a Big Grant From a Surprising Source

A Detroit Charity Fighting Homelessness Gets a Big Grant From a Surprising Source

A Catholic charity fighting homelessness in Detroit received a $7 million grant from a family foundation based in California and Hawaii. It’s an interesting example of a small family funder reaching beyond its immediate sphere.

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How a Data-Driven Push to End Homelessness Landed MacArthur’s $100 Million Prize

How a Data-Driven Push to End Homelessness Landed MacArthur’s $100 Million Prize

After two years, we have a winner in the second round of MacArthur’s $100 million grant competition. Taking home the prize is Community Solutions and its public-health-inspired approach to functionally ending homelessness.

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